Chapter 9: [sus·tain·able]

Sustainability, by definition, is the “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.”

Our earth, which gives and gives and gives, is being depleted as we pollute the air and water, clearcut forests, fill landfills and more. Now you might think, there’s not much that I, one person, can do about this. But that’s where you’re wrong! You can implement sustainable practices in all areas of your life, whether it be purchasing responsibly sourced food and clothing or taking the extra step to saving energy in your home.

Next time you need to restock your refrigerator, consider a farmers market instead of the grocery store. The produce available at a farmers market is usually local, which makes a world of difference when it comes to ethics and sustainability.

Photo of Raleigh Farmer’s Market at the height of summer

Buying local fruits and veggies cuts down on the miles they travel, reducing the emissions created in the process of shipping them across the country and even the world sometimes. The produce you buy at farmers markets are typically in season in your region, which means they’re fresher, and probably picked quite recently, as opposed to produce that has to travel to you. Produce that journeys to your neighborhood grocery store is usually picked before it has ripened, and then is artificially ripened using ethylene. A salad dressed with ethylene gas? No thanks. Locally sourced produce is also generally grown using far less pesticides, and is often organic. Safe for the environment, and our bodies!

Responsibility sourced clothing can mean a variety of things. It can mean buying from sellers that only engage in fair trade. This ensures that the hardworking people making and selling the clothes you love, are being paid enough for their craft. If you do your research, you’ll find that there are many options out there for cute clothes that are ethical too.

Sustainable clothing can also mean supporting companies that are committed to reducing their adverse effects on our planet. This can range from reducing their water usage, to increasing their use of recycled materials, to shifting their raw materials to organic cotton. But sustainable fashion doesn’t stop at purchasing. What about after you’ve bought an ethically made clothing item, used it for numerous years, and its time to retire it? Don’t let it end up in a landfill! Continue your stream of sustainable practices by passing it on to a friend or family member, or repurposing it. Next time you’re cleaning out your closet, consider Reborn.

Maybe you’re already eating organic and local, and maybe your closet is filled with conscious choices, it doesn’t stop there. Time to take a close look at your home. Make sure your thermostats are set at a reasonable temperature and your windows stay closed if the air or heat is running. Make a habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room and unplug anything that is not in use. And lastly, wash those sustainable clothes in cold water!

Maybe we can’t save this planet in one day, but we can start, one person, one closet, at a time.

Share this post with a friend that might want to start this journey with you!